Adjustable stretch molle cummerbund retention system (asmcrs)

ABSTRACT

An armor plate carrier cummerbund attachment mechanism that is stretchable, adjustable, and or removable. The attachment mechanism allows a plate carrier to be adjusted for size without interfering with the functionality of a MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load carrying Equipment) field.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/270,318 filed Oct. 21, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure is directed to an attachment mechanism for an armor plate carrier cummerbund. This disclosure is specifically directed to an attachment mechanism that is stretchable, adjustable, and removable. The attachment mechanism may allow a plate carrier to be adjusted for size without interfering with the functionality of a MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load carrying Equipment) field.

BACKGROUND

The use of armor plate carriers by military and law enforcement personnel is a common practice for protection against the many kinetic threats faced in the line of duty and to carry various life-saving tools in the field. By its very nature, military and law enforcement work requires armor plate carriers, where the work takes place in a variety of environmental conditions which are beyond the control of the end-user, while requiring many different types of clothing that vary in thickness, warmth, and breathability. The composition of military and law enforcement forces is as varied as the populations from which they come, generating great variation in the shapes and sizes of the people who make up the forces. The combination of varied climates and body types creates a need for armor plate carriers to be adjustable. However, this adjustability cannot interfere with the functionality of the MOLLE (e.g., a load carriage system used for carrying additional equipment).

A variety of adjustable armor plate carrier cummerbunds exist today. Some interface with the internal body-facing side of an armor plate carrier, creating a bumpy and uncomfortable surface against which the body rests. For example, FIG. 1 shows an existing adjustment mechanism 100 that creates a bumpy and uncomfortable surface abutting the end-user's body. Other types of cummerbunds interface with the exterior of the armor plate carrier, requiring additional construction materials, preventing ventilation, inhibiting airflow for breathability/evaporative cooling, adding weight, and preventing drainage. For example, FIG. 2 shows another existing adjustment mechanism 200 that is on the exterior surface (i.e., away from the wearer's body) of the armor plate carrier. As shown, the adjustment mechanism 200 is made up of additional construction materials.

A significant improvement is desired for an adjustable attachment mechanism for armor plate carrier cummerbunds that a) alleviates the discomfort caused by direct contact between the cummerbund attachment interface and the body of the wearer (as is the case with an interior attachment mechanism 100), b) eliminates interference with exterior MOLLE attachment points (as is the case with an exterior attachment mechanism 200), and c) enhances the wearer's comfort and physiological performance by reducing unnecessary weight and increasing ventilation and drainage.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments provide an armor plate carrier cummerbund attachment mechanism that is stretchable, adjustable, and or removable. The attachment mechanism may allow a plate carrier to be adjusted for size without interfering with the functionality of a MOLLE field.

In one or more embodiments, an adjustable cummerbund retention system is provided. The system is configured to attach a cummerbund to an armor plate carrier. The system comprises an anchor component with a plurality of perforations, wherein the anchor component is configured to be retained within a body of the armor plate carrier. The system also comprises a plurality of retention loops formed by passing retention cord through the plurality of perforations, the retention loops being configured to be attached to corresponding portions of a cummerbund to attach the cummerbund to the armor plate carrier.

In one or more embodiments, a method of attaching a cummerbund to an armored plate carrier is provided. The method comprises retaining, within a body of the armor plate carrier, an anchor component with a plurality of perforations. The method also comprises forming, a plurality of retention loops by passing retention cord through the plurality of perforations. The method further comprises attaching, to the retention loops, corresponding portions of a cummerbund to attach the cummerbund to the armor plate carrier.

In one or more embodiments, an adjustable retention system is provided. The system is configured to attach a strap to a human wearable. The system comprises an anchor component with a plurality of perforations, wherein the anchor component is configured to be retained within a body of the human wearable. The system also comprises a plurality of retention loops formed by passing retention cord through the plurality of perforations, the retention loops being configured to be attached to corresponding portions of a strap to attach the strap to the human wearable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an existing adjustment mechanism for an armor plate carrier cummerbund.

FIG. 2 shows another existing adjustment mechanism for an armor plate carrier cummerbund.

FIG. 3 shows an example adjustable stretch MOLLE cummerbund retention system (ASMCRS) based on the principles disclosed herein.

FIG. 4A shows a front side view of an example anchor component of the FIG. 3 ASMCRS based on the principles disclosed herein.

FIG. 4B shows a back side view of the example anchor component of the FIG. 3 ASMCRS based on the principles disclosed herein.

FIG. 5A shows perspective views of another example anchor component of the FIG. 3 ASMCRS based on the principles disclosed herein.

FIG. 5B shows a front view, a bottom view, and a right side view of the another example anchor component of the FIG. 3 ASMCRS based on the principles disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 shows an example usage of the anchor component of FIGS. 4A-4B and or 5A-5B with a MOLLE Cummerbund, based on the principles disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 shows another view of the example usage of the anchor component of FIGS. 4A-4B and or 5A-5B with the MOLLE cummerbund, based on the principles disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 shows the example anchor component of FIGS. 4A-4B and or 5A-5B with retention loops for attachment to individual strands of the MOLLE cummerbund, based on the principles disclosed herein.

FIG. 9 shows a view, from the bottom of an armor plate carrier, of the example anchor component of FIGS. 4A-4B and or 5A-5B inserted therein and having its retention loops attached to the MOLLE cummerbund, based on the principles disclosed herein.

FIG. 10 shows another view of the anchor component of FIGS. 4A-4B and or 5A-5B with an attachment of the retention loops to the MOLLE cummerbund, based on the principles disclosed herein.

FIG. 11 shows the anchor component of FIGS. 4A-4B and or 5A-5B inserted in the armor plate carrier with the attachment of retention loops to the individual strands of the MOLLE cummerbund, based on the principles disclosed herein.

FIG. 12 shows the anchor component of FIGS. 4A-4B and or 5A-5B inserted in the armor plate carrier with the retention loops engaged with individual strands of the MOLLE cummerbund, based on the principles disclosed herein.

FIG. 13 shows the anchor component of FIGS. 4A-4B and or 5A-5B within the armor plate carrier, based on the principles disclosed herein.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The disclosed embodiments of an Adjustable Stretch MOLLE Cummerbund Retention System (ASMCRS) provides a mechanism by which the user can adjust the cummerbund of its armor plate carrier for body shape, size, and or weather conditions, as desired. The ASMCRS allows air and water to drain through it, while providing stretch to maintain a secure fit without restricting breathing and movement, and also to accommodate various types and thicknesses of clothing worn underneath the armor plate carrier. The ASMCRS's stretch also reduces the stress placed on the armor plates themselves. Repeated stress caused by an excessively tight cummerbund is known to degrade the ballistic performance of ceramic armor plates widely used by military and law enforcement personnel. As further discussed below, the cummerbund may be mounted to a side of a plate bag that contains the armor plate. Air flow is important for military and law enforcement personnel because the nature of body armor retains body heat and moisture, which can lead to decreased physiological work capacity, heat injuries, or even death. Drainage is important because many military and law enforcement applications are strenuous (significant sweat volume generated) and involve working in and around bodies of water. Poor drainage can lead to excess weight retention, which significantly increases risk in and around the water while increasing fatigue and the risk of temperature-related injury when outside of the water. Excessive moisture retention around the body can also cause abrasions and sores that can lead to serious infections and hinder performance in high threat environments.

The disclosed embodiments center around several design elements. One embodiment of an ASMCRS shown is made from a laser cut fiber-reinforced polymer composite. Another disclosed embodiment is made from an additively manufactured polymer. However, other materials may be used such as, but not limited to, plastics, polymers, composites, metals, metal alloys, aluminum, carbon fiber, and or titanium. The ASMCRS may be manufactured by one or more of various processes including but not limited to molding, machining, die-cutting, stamping, laser cutting, and additive manufacturing. The dimensions of the illustrated embodiments are 7.25″ long and ¾″ wide. These are just example dimensions, and any other dimensions are within the scope of this disclosure.

Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments are discussed in the example context of being used with an armored plate carrier. It should be appreciated that the embodiments and principals disclosed herein are equally applicable to other types of applications such as e.g., providing side straps for chest rigs and or any other type of garment worn on a human body. Therefore, any type of application to retain human wearables based on the principles disclosed herein should be considered within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows an example ASMCRS 310 based on the principles disclosed herein. An anchor component of the ASMCRS 310 has been labeled as 300. Particularly, FIG. 3 shows the ASMCRS 310 in use with a specific example of carrying two IcePlate Curve products 302, 304 manufactured and sold by Qore Performance, Inc. The Ice Plate Curve products 302, 304 are examples of human wearables that may be carried in carriers 312, 314 and worn around the user's body using straps 308. The straps 308 in turn can be attached to the carriers 312, 314 of the Ice Plate Curve products 302, 304 (or any other type of human wearable) using the anchor component 300 as disclosed herein. It should, however, be appreciated that this is one of many possible uses for the disclosed system any other type of use should be considered within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 4A shows a front side view of an example anchor component 300 of the FIG. 3 ASMCRS 310, based on the principles disclosed herein. FIG. 4B shows a back side view of the example anchor component 300, based on the principles disclosed herein. As shown, the anchor component 300 has a series of perforations (an example perforation labeled as 306) to facilitate the creation of retention loops for the MOLLE cummerbund (discussed below in more detail). As shown, the series of perforations are arranged linearly, however, any kind of arrangement should be considered within the scope of this disclosure. As shown in one embodiment, an anchor component 300 has a flat form factor for a convenient insertion into the carriers 312, 314 (e.g., armor plate carriers, ice plate carriers).

FIG. 5A shows perspective views of another example anchor component 500 of the FIG. 3 ASMCRS based on the principles disclosed herein. FIG. 5B shows a front view, a bottom view, and a right side view of the example anchor component 500 of the FIG. 3 ASMCRS based on the principles disclosed herein. As shown in this embodiment, an anchor component 500 has a three dimensionally contoured form factor that enhances structural properties and secure fit within a carrier (312, 314). An example perforation on the anchor component 500 has been labeled as 501. However, any kind of form factor should be considered within the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments disclosed below should apply equally to both the anchor component 300 or the anchor component 500.

FIG. 6 shows an example usage of the anchor component 300 or 500 with a MOLLE cummerbund 602, based on the principles disclosed herein. Particularly, retention loops 604 are created by passing a retention cord 606 through the perforations 306 or 501 in the component 300 or 500). The retention loops 604 may be adjustable, e.g., their sizes can be controlled by adjusting the length of the cord 606 between the perforations 306 or 501 in the anchor component 300 or 500. Furthermore, based on the composition of the cord 606, the retention loops 604 may be stretchable i.e., they have a level of elasticity. The anchor component 300 or 500 also can be conveniently inserted into and removed from the carriers 312, 314. In other embodiments, the cord 606 may instead be made of webbing, cable, wire, tubing, or other type of strap or strand capable of forming retention loops 604 or functional equivalent.

FIG. 7 shows another view of the example usage of the anchor component 300 or 500 with the MOLLE cummerbund 602, based on the principles disclosed herein. As shown, the retention loops 604, created by passing the cord 606 through the perforations in the anchor component 300 or 500, are engaging the MOLLE cummerbund 602. For example, end portions of the MOLLE cummerbund 602 pass through the loops 604, and, after the passing, each end portion is looped around and fastened by hook and loop fastening mechanisms. In another example, the end portions of the MOLLE cummerbund 602 have loops that attach to the retention loops 604, i.e., the retention loops 604 are formed by passing the cord 606 through the loops at the end portions of the MOLLE cummerbund 602 and then through the perforations 306. In other embodiments not shown in the figures, one or more additional hardware components known in the art may be incorporated into the anchor component 300 or 500 including but not limited to grommets, eyelets, clips, buckles, snaps, quick-detach interfaces, hinges, and reinforcing rods. Such components may be used in combination with and or in place of the perforations 306 or 501 to facilitate the formation, attachment, and or function of retention loops 604.

FIG. 8 shows the example anchor component 300 or 500 with the retention loops 604 for attachment to individual strands 602 a, 602 b, 602 c of the MOLLE cummerbund 602, based on the principles disclosed herein. Particularly, the ends of the strands 602 a, 602 b, 602 c will be passed through the retention loops 604 and will be closed off by corresponding attachment mechanisms 608 a, 608 b, 608 c such as a hook and loop fastening mechanisms. In other embodiments, the attachment mechanisms 608 a, 608 b, 608 c may include loops that attach to the corresponding retention loops 604 (i.e., the retention loops 604 are formed by passing the cord 606 through the loops at the end portions of the MOLLE cummerbund 602 and then through the perforations 306 or 501).

FIG. 9 shows a view, through the bottom of an armor plate carrier 902, with the example anchor component 300 or 500 inserted therein and having its retention loops 604 attached to the MOLLE cummerbund 602, based on the principles disclosed herein. The anchor component 300 or 500 is within the body (e.g., inside an external shell) of the armor plate carrier 902. The retention loops 604 in the illustrated example are on the opposite side of the MOLLE cummerbund 602, i.e., the illustrated retention loops 604 are within the armor plate carrier 902 while the loops attached to the MOLLE cummerbund 602 are located externally to the carrier 902 (e.g., retention loops 604 in view 800 shown in FIG. 8 ).

FIG. 10 shows another view of the anchor component 300 or 500 illustrating an attachment of the retention loops 604 to the MOLLE cummerbund 602, based on the principles disclosed herein. Because the slackness and or flexibility of the retention loops 604 can be controlled, the retention loops 604 can be passed through any kind of hole opening within the corresponding armor plate carrier to be attached to the MOLLE cummerbund 602.

FIG. 11 shows the anchor component 300 or 500 inserted in the armor plate carrier 902 with the attachment of retention loops 604 a, 604 b, 604 c (depicted as individual portions of the retention loops 604 described above) to the individual strands 602 a, 602 b, 602 c, respectively, of the MOLLE cummerbund 602, based on the principles disclosed herein. Particularly, the anchor component 300 or 500 is within the armor plate carrier 902 and the retention loops 604 a, 604 b, 604 c are passed through the corresponding holes or openings (shown in FIG. 13 discussed below) of the armor plate carrier to attach to the attachment mechanisms 608 a, 608 b, 608 c of the corresponding individual strands 602 a, 602 b, 602 c of the MOLLE cummerbund 602. The slackness of the retention loops 604 a, 604 b, 604 c allows a size control of the individual strands 602 a, 602 b, 602 c (and or a size control of the corresponding attachment mechanisms 608 a, 608 b, 608 c). A first dimension of size control includes length. Because the corresponding attachment mechanisms 608 a, 608 b, 608 c of the individual strands 602 a, 602 b, 602 c can be moved under the corresponding retention loops 604 a, 604 b, 604 c; attachment of the individual strand 602 a, 602 b, 602 c can be made longer or shorter. For example, the first strand 602 a is shorter than each of the other stands 602 b, 602 c. A second dimension of size control includes width. As shown, the first strand 602 a is shortened or compressed along its width by the corresponding retention loop 604 a. Also, the third strand 602 c is shortened or compressed along its width by the corresponding retention loop 604 c.

FIG. 12 shows an anchor component 300 or 500 inserted in the armor plate carrier 902 with the retention loops 604 engaged with the individual strands 602 a, 602 b, 602 c of the MOLLE cummerbund 602, based on the principles disclosed herein. While the example view in FIG. 11 shows the attachment mechanisms 608 a, 608 b, 608 c of the MOLLE cummerbund 602 looped around the corresponding retention loops with the attachment mechanisms 608 a, 608 b, 608 c not closing their own loop, example view 1200 in FIG. 12 shows the attachment mechanisms 608 a, 608 b, 608 c with their loops closed. In other words, the view of FIG. 12 shows each of the attachment mechanisms 608 a, 608 b, 608 c securely attached to itself (e.g., through a hook and loop fastener) looping in the corresponding retention loops 604 a, 604 b, 604 c (obscured from view 1200 by the corresponding attachment mechanisms 608 a, 608 b, 608 c.

FIG. 13 shows the anchor component 300 or 500 within the armor plate carrier 902, based on the principles disclosed herein. As shown, the anchor component 300 or 500 includes retention loops 604 a, 604 b, 604 c configured to be attached to corresponding portions of the MOLLE cummerbund 602. To accommodate the retention loops 604 a, 604 b, 604 c, the armor plate carrier 902 may include corresponding apertures 1302 a, 1302 b, 1302 c (also referred to as holes, ports, or openings). In other words, the apertures 1302 a, 1302 b, 1302 c allow corresponding portions of the MOLLE cummerbund to access the retention loops 604 a, 604 b, 604 c.

In addition, in one or more embodiments, the attachment method using the ASMCRS preserves the MOLLE field on the outside or inside of the armor plate carrier.

Therefore, one or more embodiments overcome the technical problems with existing systems. The ASMCRS system with the anchor component (e.g., anchor component 300 as described above) and the retention loops (e.g., retention loops 604 as described above) allows for an adjustable, flexible, and stretchable Cummerbund retention mechanism that interfaces with a plate carrier in a manner that minimizes direct contact with the wearer's body at the interior of the carrier and does not occupy or interfere with attachment points at the exterior of the carrier. This configuration reduces overall weight and substantially increases ventilation and drainage to reduce the retention of heat and moisture around the body of the wearer and thereby improve the wearer's comfort and physiological performance.

It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed above are just examples to illustrate various principles of the invention. These embodiments therefore non-limiting. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims below. 

1. An adjustable cummerbund retention system configured to attach a cummerbund to an armor plate carrier, the system comprising: an anchor component with a plurality of perforations, wherein the anchor component is configured to be retained within a body of the armor plate carrier; and a plurality of retention loops formed by passing retention cord through the plurality of perforations, the retention loops being configured to be attached to corresponding portions of the cummerbund to attach the cummerbund to the armor plate carrier.
 2. The adjustable cummerbund retention system of claim 1, wherein the anchor component is made of at least one of polymer, composite, metal, or metal alloy.
 3. The adjustable cummerbund retention system of claim 1, wherein the anchor component is made from an additively manufactured polymer.
 4. The adjustable cummerbund retention system of claim 1, wherein the anchor component is made from a molded polymer.
 5. The adjustable cummerbund retention system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of perforations are linearly arranged.
 6. The adjustable cummerbund retention system of claim 1, wherein the anchor component has a flat form factor.
 7. The adjustable cummerbund retention system of claim 1, wherein the anchor component has a curved cross section in at least one dimension.
 8. The adjustable cummerbund retention system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of retention loops are configured to be accessible to the corresponding portions of the cummerbund through a plurality of ports in the armor plate carrier.
 9. The adjustable cummerbund retention system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of retention loops are configured to control sizes of corresponding portions of the cummerbund.
 10. The adjustable cummerbund retention system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of retention loops are configured to be adjustable.
 11. The adjustable cummerbund retention system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of retention loops are configured to be elastic.
 12. A method of attaching a cummerbund to an armored plate carrier, the method comprising: retaining, within a body of the armor plate carrier, an anchor component with a plurality of perforations; forming, a plurality of retention loops by passing retention cord through the plurality of perforations; and attaching, to the retention loops, corresponding portions of the cummerbund to attach the cummerbund to the armor plate carrier.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: accessing the plurality of retention loops to attach the corresponding portions of the cummerbund through a plurality of ports in the armor plate carrier.
 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising: controlling sizes of corresponding portions of the cummerbund using the plurality of retention loops.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: adjusting the plurality of retention loops for attaching the plurality of retention loops to the corresponding portions of the cummerbund.
 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: stretching the plurality of retention loops for attaching the plurality of retention loops to the corresponding portions of the cummerbund.
 17. An adjustable retention system configured to attach a strap to a human wearable, the system comprising: an anchor component with a plurality of perforations, wherein the anchor component is configured to be retained within a body of the human wearable; and a plurality of retention loops formed by passing retention cord through the plurality of perforations, the retention loops being configured to be attached to corresponding portions of the strap to attach the strap to the human wearable.
 18. The adjustable retention system of claim 17, wherein the anchor component is made of at least one of polymer, composite, metal, or metal alloy.
 19. The adjustable retention system of claim 17, wherein the anchor component has a flat form factor.
 20. The adjustable retention system of claim 17, wherein the anchor component has a curved cross section in at least one dimension. 